I laid out my cards to read in the book of fate. For I should not be a worthy daughter of the father-land of magic arts (Finland), if I were not familiar with the art of playing cards and soothsaying. Though I have never been a pupil quite worthy of the celebrated fortune-teller Liboria, who taught me her art, and I have never laid my cards with her devotion and her spirit, but, to be short, it amuses me to see the sport of fate in the cards; I have frequently amused myself and others by it, and so also I did now.

When the evening was past, the company had retired, and Flora and I were on our way to our bedrooms through the little corridor which separated them, Flora suddenly stood still, and, hastily turning to me, said:

66

"I dare say you think that I am in love with St. Orme?"

"Hum," rejoined I; "I certainly thought it appeared like it."

(Flora had in reality played the coquette before St. Orme that evening.)

"And do you not know, you wise Sybil, that appearances are frequently deceitful? And this is the case here. One must often appear what one is not, in order to gain what one wishes. Subtilty and cunning are given to women to govern those who wish to rule over them. They are their lawful weapons."

"So people frequently say, but I have not found it so. I have found that the power of truth and of earnestness, if applied with prudence and love, is the only true power with men, as well as with women.'

"Truth and earnestness!" exclaimed Flora, sneeringly. "Show me where they are to be found!

We

all dissemble towards one another every day of our lives, however holy we may feign to be. How, for instance, is it with us two? Have we not several days associated together, and have played the part of nice cousins towards each other, while I really believe that in the bottom of our hearts we think very little of each other. Or what think you?"

"I am of the same persuasion with you," replied 1, strengthened by this candour."

Very well," continued Flora, "would it then be well if we attacked our parties openly, and hated one another?

"Why not?" said I, as before. "That may perhaps become quite a new way to love."

"I love novelty!" rejoined Flora, "and also laughing. Therefore from this day forth we are open enemies, and will mutually cherish our like hatred! What say you Fräulein Philosophy?"

"Agreed, Fräulein Caprice."

We shook each other's hands laughing, and parted better friends than ever we had been.

Notwithstanding Flora's expression, I formed ac cording to my humble opinion two matches that evening, and united Flora with St. Orme, and Selma with Felix. It now only remains for me to make some provision for my stepmother and myself. Very well; we will mutually comfort each other in old age, and govern the state together. Thorild and Madame de Genlis will help us.

November 6th.

My humble opinion has been annihilated, and by whom?

The Baron.

C

At breakfast Flora and I explained in a humorous manner our agreement of the previous evening. My stepmother took up the matter in the playful spirit with which it was delivered, and laughed at our "hate-contract." Selma, on the other hand, did not take it in that light, but looked at us with a serious, almost sorrowful countenance. I endeavoured to pacify her, while showing her in our hate a new way to friendship. She became cheerful again, and sang―

"A little squabble, by the bye,

Is not much to signify," &c.

She left us in order to attend to the domestic affairs of the day. Shortly afterwards came Baron Lennartson. After a brief general conversation he took Flora aside, and conversed with her a long time in an under toned voice. He appeared to solicit something very earnestly, and seized her hand at the same time more than once; and Flora did not appear to have any objection to it. I looked at my stepmother, and she at me. "That seems to be a very friendly way of going on, indeed, between guardian and ward," said I.

"Yes," rejoined my stepmother, "but they are more to each other, indeed, than guardian and ward."

"What? Are they betrothed?"

"Yes, but it is not yet publicly declared, nor is it yet generally talked about."

"Flora," continued I, "will, I suppose, be of age in spring, and can then dispose of a considerable fortune?"

"Only of the interest of it. Of the capital, according to the will of her uncle, to whom Flora and her brother owe their whole fortune, none can dispose except her future husband only. He was a peevish

old man, and had no confidence in female management of business affairs. He also prescribed that Flora should not be allowed to marry before her twenty-fifth year, which she will attain in spring, on the peril of forfeiting a considerable portion of her inheritance."

Selma entered; Lennartson finished his discourse with Flora, and went away after he had kissed her hand, and softly, but emphatically, whispered to her the words: "Remember!"

"Well, that was a very serious conversation, indeed," said my stepmother, somewhat inquisitively to Flora. The latter, after a survey in the glass, came up to her with sparkling eyes.

"Yes," said Flora, "he is so kind-so excellent! One cannot help doing all that he wishes."

I sighed audibly.

"What's the matter?

inquired Flora.

Why does Sophia sigh so?"

"Because I presume that you will soon be very happy through Lennartson, and accept his hand; and I am obliged, you know, to cherish my hatred."

"Ah!" retorted Flora, laughing, "do not grieve about that yet. The question at issue is at present less about me than Felix," added she, half sadly. "My respected guardian wishes that I should become a pattern, an example, a companion to him; but I cannot exactly boast of any influence on my brother; and I know very well who could operate on him better than I, and change my dear Felix into a real Phoenix, if she would,-what think you, Selma?"

Selma turned away, and in a low tone replied: "We will not talk on that subject!"

"Well, then we'll talk of my dress for the masque

rade!" exclaimed Flora, with playful alacrity. "Come and help me in the selection of colours; you have such good taste."

She took Selma's arm, and the two cousins skipped, out of the room singing.

On my afterwards going, with a message to Selma, into Flora's room, I found the two engaged in a warm conversation, surrounded with silver and gold gauze. "But, Flora, that's too dear," said Selma.

"But it will look heavenly beautiful,” replied Flora. "It may be made pretty also in other ways-and the difference in the cost is indeed considerable. Why you have just promised Lennartson to be an example to Felix."

"Yes, yes, generally speaking, but not in all trifles. In such matters I will follow my own mind. Dear Selma, do not now assume your wise look, it does not become you; be a little more cheerful. We will now advert to the turban.-Ah, aunt! That is delightful! Aunt shall tell me . . . .

And Flora turned to my stepmother who just entered, and without any consideration coincided with Flora in her plans respecting the costly attire which was to transform her into a Circassian lady.

Then, embracing Selma, she said to me : "How do you like this child here, Sophy, who wishes to remain at home with her old mother rather than drive to the masquerade at W * * * ? ”

"I like that," rejoined I.

"How was it possible for Fräulein Philosophy to judge otherwise of such wise conduct?" observed Flora, somewhat piqued.

"But if I," continued my stepmother, winking at